Thursday, December 30, 2010

ACCORDING TO UPSON COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT SUPERINTENDANT DANNY JOHNSON, WATER SERVICE WILL BE SHUT OFF MONDAY, JAN 3RD FROM 8;30AM TILL IPM IN THE SUNNYSIDE COMMUNITY, TO CHANGE OVER TO NEW WATER LINES.

FOLLOWING A CALLED MEETING OF THE PIKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WEDNESDAY MORNING, COUNTY ATTORNEY ROB MORTON ANNOUNCED TO THE PUBLIC THE FIRE CHIEF IS BEING DISMISSED. COUNTY MANAGER BILL SAWYER SENT A LETTER TO FIRE CHIEF DANNY HENDERSON DATED DEC. 21ST THAT HIS LAST DAY WILL BE DEC. 31ST. COMMISSIONER DON COLLINS TOLD TGA NEWS AFTER THE MEETING THE DISMISSAL INVOLVED INSUBORDINATION. HENDERSON EARNED $18,000 ANNUALLY AND HAD BEEN FIRE CHIEF SINCE JAN. OF 2009.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

ACCORDING TO THE UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, EXTENSIVE FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE AFTER A FIRE AT 108 LONGVIEW LOOP, THE RESIDENCE OF MATTIE WELLMAKER. MS. WELLMAKER SAID SHE WAS SLEEPING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE, AND FOUND A STORAGE ROOM ON FIRE. ROCK HILL AND NORTHSIDE FIRE UNITS RESPONDED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.

Monday, December 27, 2010

JOE SAIA, A FAYETTE COUNTY ATTORNEY WHO HAS SERVED AS CHIEF PUBLIC DEFENDER OF THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, SINCE 2003, DIED FRIDAY AT EMORY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, FOLLOWING AN EXTENDED ILLNESS. A MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD THURSDAY AT THE OLD FAYETTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. SAIA FELL ILL DURING A NORTH CAROLINA VACATION IN JUNE AND UNDERWENT HEART BY-PASS SURGERY. HE HAD BEEN IN A REHABILITATION FACILITY EVERY SINCE, UNDERGOING 6 SURGERIES.

Friday, December 24, 2010

ANIMAL HEALTH AND SCIENCES HAS RECEIVED FUNDING FOR ITS NEW PLANT IN THOMASTON AT THE YAMAHA BUILDING, TO EMPLOY 100 PEOPLE WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, 250 PEOPLE WITHIN FIVE YEARS. THE $5.7 MILLION BOND ISSUE WILL ALLOW THE COMPANY TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT VITAL TO ITS PRODUCTION OF PET CARE SUPPLIES, AS WELL AS COMPLETE RENOVATIONS TO THE YAMAHA BUILDING. WITH BOND FINANCING NOW IN PLACE, AHS PLANS FOR ITS NEW PLANT IN THOMASTON TO BE OPERATIONAL BY SPRING 2011. AHS PRESIDENT CHRIS CALLAS SAID “ WE ARE EXCITED TO CALL THOMASTON HOME.” CALLAS FOUNDED AHS TO SUPPLY CUSTOMERS IN THE PET CARE INDUSTRY, A MARKET WITH AN ESTIMATED WORTH OF $8 BILLION. THE COMPANY WILL MANUFACTURE AEROSOL/POWDER/LIQUID CHEMICAL PRODUCTS TO BE USED IN FLEA/TICK SPRAY, GROOMING SHAMPOOS,FLY REPELLANT, AND AIR FRESHENERS, AMONG OTHER ITEMS. CALLAS ADDED “WE ARE THANKFUL THAT WE WILL BE DOING BUSINESS IN A WARM AND WELCOMING COMMUNITY.” THE CHAIRMAN OF THE THOMASTON UPSON DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, NEIL HIGHTOWER CALLED IT A WONDERFUL DAY FOR AHS AND THOMASTON. IDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR J.R. CHARLES SAID IT REPRESENTS A TURNING POINT IN THOMASTON’S ECONOMIC CONDITION. IN 2007 YAMAHA CORPORATION CLOSED ITS PIANO PRODUCTION PLANT LAYING OFF 187 PEOPLE. AHS WILL EMPLOY MORE PEOPLE THAN YAMAHA LAID OFF WHEN IT LEFT THOMASTON.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MOVED MORE MONEY INTO UPGRADES AT THE CIVIC CENTER DURING A WORK SHOP ON THE 2011 MARCH SPLOST, TUESDAY. $2.I MILLION IS NOW LISTED FOR THE CIVIC CENTER , WITH ELECTRICAL THE BIG NEED. CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES WANTS THE RACQUETBALL COURT AND STEAM ROOM RESTORED, AND THE GAME ROOM. THE COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED A 5 YEAR $15 MILLION SPLOST WITH THE COUNTY GETTING 65%, CITY OF THOMASTON 33% AND CITY OF YATESVILLE 1.39%. THAT'S AFTER 20% IS TAKEN OFF THE TOP FOR COUNTY-WIDE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CIVIC CENTER AND RECREATION, WHICH WOULD GET $500,000 FOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO FIELDS.$5 MILLION FOR ROAD PAVING INCLUDING ATWATER ROAD, $520,000 for 4 SHERIFF'S CARS FOR FIVE YEARS, AND $100,000 FOR AN OBSERVATION DECK-OVERLOOK, AT SPREWELL BLUFF. THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAD $2 MILLION ON ITS WISH LIST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT A LEGAL OPINION SAYS SPLOST CAN'T BE USED FOR THAT, BUT THE NEW BUSINESS PARK AT THE AIRPORT WILL GET A $400,000 GAS MAIN. THE COMMISSIONERS PLAN TO MEET WITH THE CITY OF THOMASTON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO GET ITS LIST OF PROJECTS , OPERATING ON THE BASIS, THERE WILL NOT BE A JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS. IF SO THE SPLOST COULD

Thursday, December 23, 2010

POST 26 GA. STATE PATROL IN THOMASTON HAS COMPLETED ITS INVESTIGATION OF A FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON ON THOMPSON ROAD. TROOPER MITCHELL DAY TOLD TGA NEWS, TOMMY DEAN, 63 OF HANNAH’S MILL ROAD WAS PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE, FOLLOWING THE ONE VEHICLE MISHAP, NEAR THE WALLER ROAD INTERSECTION. FRIENDS HAVE SAID THEY BELIEVE HE HAD A HEART ATTACK AND WRECKED. TROOPER DAY SAID DEAN’S 1994 CHEVROLET C-1500 PICK-UP LEFT THE ROAD, HIT A POLE AND OVERTURNED ON ITS SIDE IN A PRIVATE DRIVE. DEAN WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT , THE TRUCK HAD NO AIR BAGS, AND THE BODY HAD TO BE FREED WITH THE JAWS OF LIFE CUTTING TOOL BY EMERGENCY RESPONDERS.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

THE THOMASTON TIMES IS GOING TO COURT TO TRY AND RETAIN THE LEGAL ADS, HEADED FOR THE UPSON BEACON, JAN. IST. IN A PRESS RELEASE, THE TIMES GENERAL MANAGER, ROLAND FOILES SAID CIVIL ACTION HAS BEEN FILED SEEKING INJUNCTION AND MANDAMUS BETWEEN THE TWO NEWSPAPERS. HE SAID A HEARING IS SCHEDULED JAN. 4TH BEFORE CHIEF JUDGE CHRIS EDWARDS IN UPSON SUPERIOR COURT. IN THE FIRST PART TO DETERMINE IF THE LAW WAS FOLLOWED CONCERNING DATES OF ELIGIBILITY. ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE, THE LAW STATES THAT THE ENITY MUST HAVE COMPLETED 24 MONTHS OF QUALIFIED SERVICE AS A SUBSCRIPTION BASED NEWSPAPER AS WITNESSED BY AN INDEPENDANT AUDIT. ANY PERIOD OF TIME THAT WAS OPERATED AS A FREE PUBLICATION COULD NOT BE COUNTED UNDER THE LAW. WITH THAT IN MIND THE UPSON BEACON WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO EVEN APPLY UNDER THE LAW UNTIL JAN IST,2011,AT WHICH TIME THEY WOULD HAVE COMPLETED 24 MONTHS OF UNAUDITED SERVICE. THE LAW ALSO STATES THAT YOU MUST COMPLETE THE REQUIREMENTS IN TIME TO RUN 4 WEEKS OF LEGAL ANNOUNCEMENTS WHICH WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IN TIME TO MEET THE JAN IST. DEADLINE, FOILES SAID.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MOVED MORE MONEY INTO UPGRADES AT THE CIVIC CENTER DURING A WORK SHOP ON THE 2011 MARCH SPLOST, TUESDAY. $2.I MILLION IS NOW LISTED FOR THE CIVIC CENTER , WITH ELECTRICAL THE BIG NEED. CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES WANTS THE RACQUETBALL COURT AND STEAM ROOM RESTORED, AND THE GAME ROOM. THE COMMISSIONERS DISCUSSED A 5 YEAR $15 MILLION SPLOST WITH THE COUNTY GETTING 65%, CITY OF THOMASTON 33% AND CITY OF YATESVILLE 1.39%. THAT'S AFTER 20% IS TAKEN OFF THE TOP FOR COUNTY-WIDE PROJECTS INCLUDING THE CIVIC CENTER AND RECREATION, WHICH WOULD GET $500,000 FOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO FIELDS.$5 MILLION FOR ROAD PAVING INCLUDING ATWATER ROAD, $520,000 for 4 SHERIFF'S CARS FOR FIVE YEARS, AND $100,000 FOR AN OBSERVATION DECK-OVERLOOK, AT SPREWELL BLUFF. THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HAD $2 MILLION ON ITS WISH LIST FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BUT A LEGAL OPINION SAYS SPLOST CAN'T BE USED FOR THAT, BUT THE NEW BUSINESS PARK AT THE AIRPORT WILL GET A $400,000 GAS MAIN. THE COMMISSIONERS PLAN TO MEET WITH THE CITY OF THOMASTON THE FIRST OF THE YEAR TO GET ITS LIST OF PROJECTS , OPERATING ON THE BASIS, THERE WILL NOT BE A JOINT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS. IF SO THE SPLOST COULD

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

THE THOMASTON UPSON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY HELD A CALLED MEETING AT QUAD GRAPHICS, MONDAY AND GOT AN UPDATE ON THE COMPANY FROM ANDREW SCHIESL, VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL COUNSEL AND PATRICK HENDERSON, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS. QUAD PROPOSED A $4 MILLION ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE ROCK PLANT, SOMETHING THAT COULD MEAN 75 MORE JOBS, AND IT WANTS STATE AND LOCAL INCENTIVES FOR SAVINGS OF $2 MILLION OVER 5 YEARS. THE OFFICIALS SAID SINCE QUAD ABSORBED WORLD COLOR PRESS OF CANADA AND WENT PUBLIC IN JULY, ITS THE LARGEST COMMERCIAL PRINTER IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE. SEVERAL PLANTS HAVE BEEN CLOSED AND MORE CLOSINGS ARE IN THE WORKS. THEY SAID THE ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT FOR NEW EQUIPMENT WILL HELP THE ROCK PLANT STAY COMPETITIVE WITH THE OTHER EAST COAST PLANTS IN NEW YORK AND WEST VIRGINIA. IT WAS MENTIONED THAT TAXES AND UTILITY COSTS ARE KEY FACTORS IN THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS, AND QUAD INDICATED IT NEEDS A RESPONSE BY EARLY JANUARY. IDA CHAIRMAN NEIL HIGHTOWER TOLD THE QUAD EXECUTIVES, THE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS COMMITTED TO GIVING THE COMPANY WHAT IT NEEDS TO BE COMPETITIVE. QUAD EMPLOYS OVER 420, 45 PART-TIME AT THE ROCK PLANT. MEMBERS OF THE TAX ASSESSORS BOARD ATTENDED THE MEETING, AND THE NEW PLANT DIRECTOR JEFF STRIBLING AND BARBARA TYSON , WHO JUST RETIRED FROM THAT POSITION, BOTH ADDRESSED THE GROUP.

Monday, December 20, 2010

A PEDESTRIAN WAS HIT BY AN SUV IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND TRANSPORTED TO THE MEDICAL CENTER OF CENTRAL GA. IN MACON BY AIR AMBULANCE. ACCORDING TO THE GA. STATE PATROL, THE VICTIM 33 YEAR OLD JAMES EMMETT CROMER OF 427 SOUTH BETHEL STREET STEPPED INTO THE PATH OF A FORD EXPEDITION DRIVEN BY CAROL DENISE CARTER OF PICKARD PLACE. HIS INJURIES WERE DESCRIBED AS EXTENSIVE. NO CHARGES HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE CASE.

Friday, December 17, 2010

A PEDESTRIAN HIT BY A VEHICLE IN DOWNTOWN THOMASTON FRIDAY AFTERNOON, WAS TRANSPORTED BY AIR AMBULANCE TO AN OUT-OF-TOWN HOSPITAL. HE WAS DESCRIBED AS A WHITE MALE IN HIS MID-30’S, WHO WAS CROSSING THE STREET AT NORTH CHURCH AND THOMPSON JUST BEFORE 4PM. A BLACK FEMALE WAS DRIVING THE FORD EXPEDITION THAT WAS INVOLVED. A STOREOWNER TOLD TGA NEWS HE LOOKED UP AND A SAW A MAN LYING IN THE STREET NEAR THE INTERSECTION. UPSON EMS, THOMASTON POLICE AND THE GA. STATE PATROL RESPONDED.

THE UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HAD A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR THE WORKFORCE AT THE ANNUAL EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FRIDAY. A $300 CHRISTMAS BONUS , AND THE CHECKS WERE GIVEN AT THE BANQUET. CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES SAID TIMES ARE TOUGH, BUT ITS GETTING BETTER, AFTER EMPLOYEES EXPERIENCED FURLOUGHS, SO THE BOARD WANTED TO REWARD THEM. THE COMMISSIONERS NOR CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS WILL RECEIVED THEM. ONE OTHER GIFT FOR EMPLOYEES, COUNTY OFFICES WILL CLOSE THURSDAY AT 2PM FOR CHRISTMAS. THE COUNTY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR WAS ANNOUNCED, KENNETH THURMAN OF THE ROADS DEPARTMENT, AND THE LONGEST SERVING EMPLOYEE IS ROGER SMITH OF THE ROADS DEPARTMENT, 35 YEARS. THOSE WITH 30 YEARS OF SERVICE, SHARON FOWLER, RALPH SEARCY, AND NORMA HODGE. 25 YEARS, JULIE ANN LEGG, JUNE SMITH, RONNIE WILLIAMS, RONNIE COCHRAN, STONEY SPEIR, AND NEIL REGAN. CHAIRMAN RAINES TOLD THE EMPLOYEES SOME TYPE OF RETIREMENT PLAN IS IN THE WORKS, ITS COMING , HE SAID.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL COUNTERPART OF THE GA. HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION , THE GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION IS MOVING TO THOMASTON. ACCORDING TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DR. JEFF JACKSON, THE GISA HAS PURCHASED THE MEDICAL BUILDING AT WEST GORDON AND JACKSON AVE. AND WILL BE RELOCATING ITS GRIFFIN OFFICE, THE FIRST OF NEXT YEAR. TWO MEMBERS OF THE GISA STAFF LIVE IN THOMASTON, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR TOMMY WHITTLE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT ROBIN AYLOR. DR. JACKSON SAID THE GISA IS ESTABLISHING AN ATLANTA OFFICE IN SANDY SPRINGS FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND THE THOMASTON OFFICE WILL HANDLE ACADEMICS ,ATHLETICS AND BUSINESS. THE GISA HAS 153 MEMBER SCHOOLS AND DR. JACKSON SAID THE THOMASTON OFFICE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE LARGER MEETINGS THAN THE GRIFFIN OFFICE, WHICH WAS BEING LEASED.

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DON PEACOCK SAYS THE S.O. IS INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY AT MOUNTAIN VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH ON JEFF DAVIS ROAD, DISCOVERED THURSDAY MORNING. SOMEONE BROKE A WINDOW AND ENTERED THE OFFICE, A COMPUTER AND CASH MISSING.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

AT TUESDAY’S MEETING, UPSON COUNTY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES RELEASED THIS STATEMENT IN REFERENCE TO ONGOING MISGIVINGS ABOUT THE TRANSFER OF THE LEGAL ORGAN DESIGNATION FROM THE THOMASTON TIMES TO THE UPSON BEACON. “ THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF UPSON COUNTY FULLY AND CONSISTENTLY SUPPORTS THE CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT, SHERIFF, AND PROBATE JUDGE IN THEIR DECISION TO MAKE A CHANGE OF LEGAL ORGAN.AT NO TIME HAVE ANY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS PROCESS, AS WE ARE LIMITED IN OUR STATUTORY ABILITIES BY THE STATE CONSTITUTION. THE AUTHORITY TO DESIGNATE AN ENTITY THE OFFICIAL LEGAL ORGAN RESIDES ENTIRELY WITH THE THREE ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT WERE INVOLVED IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE VARIOUS ELECTED OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS OF THIS BOARD FOR KEEPING THE STANDARD OF PROFESSIONALISM HIGH, AND NOT MAKING COMMENTS OR SHARING OPINIONS ON THIS MATTER. IN RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES ABOUT MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MEMBERS OF THE STAFF OF THE UPSON BEACON, I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE ALL PERSONS TO STOP BY MY OFFICE AND TALK WITH ME THE WAY I DO WITH DEBBIE LORD OF THE UPSON BEACON, OR ASHLEY BILES OF THE THOMASTON TIMES OR DAVE PIPER OF WTGA. I BELIEVE IN, AND OPERATE, AN OPEN GOVERNMENT. ANY COMMENTS THAT MAY HAVE SURFACED ABOUT MY INVOLVEMENT IN THIS OR ANY OTHER MEDIA-RELATED MATTER ARE FALSE AND UNAPPRECIATED. AS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, I WILL WORK WITH ANY AND ALL MEDIA OUTLETS, AND ONLY ASK THE VERY BEST OF THE NEWSPAPER THAT IS DESIGNATED OUR COMMUNITY’S LEGAL ORGAN. AS FOR MY PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS AND ANY QUESTION AS TO WHETHER I USED MY POSITION TO INFLUENCE THE CHANGE, THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING NO. I WOULD ASK THAT ALL MEDIA OUTLETS DISCONTINUE THEIR UNCONSTRUCTIVE ACTIONS AND REFOCUS THEIR EFFORTS ON HELPING TO PROMOTE THE PROGRESS THAT IS BEING MADE COUNTY-WIDE. THE NEGATIVE COMMENTING DOESN’T SERVE THEIR READERS OR THE COMMUNITY AT-LARGE WHEN INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL PROSPECTS USE OUR LOCAL MEDIA FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES. IN CONCLUSION, I LOOK FOWARD TO WORKING WITH THE THOMASTON TIMES,UPSON BEACON,WTGA AND WTUC-TV IN 2011. BY BANDING TOGETHER,WE CAN ALL ENSURE THAT TEAM UPSON CONTINUES TO GROW AND PROSPER.”

THE THOMASTON UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION MADE EVERYBODY HAPPY WITH A DECISION ON THE NEW PROPOSED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, TUESDAY, A FREE-STANDING BUILDING NEAR THE HIGH SCHOOL. ON A RECOMMENDATION BY ARCHITECTS MANLEY, SPANGLER, AND ASSOCIATES OF GRIFFIN, THE BOARD AGREED TO INCLUDE A BAND AND DRAMA SUITE IN THE PLANS , WHICH COULD ADD $ 1 MILLION TO THE COST. HOWEVER, THE TWO CLASSROOMS COULD BE ELIMINATED FROM THE PROJECT, IF THE CONTRACTOR'S BID IS OVER BUDGET. ACCORDING TO THE ARCHITECTS , SCHEME A , JUST THE 6000 SQUARE FOOT AUDITORIUM, SEATING 900 , WOULD COST ABOUT $7 MILLION, SCHEME B WITH THE BAND AND DRAMA CLASSROOMS $8 MILLION. THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS ABOUT $7 MILLION IN SPLOST FUNDS FOR THE PROJECT, BUT SOME BOARD MEMBERS OPPOSED THE CLASSROOMS BECAUSE IT WOULD UP THE COST. NOW THE DECISION CAN BE MADE WHEN THE BIDS COME IN, PROBABLY MIDSUMMER. CONSTRUCTION COULD START IN AUGUST, AN 18 MONTH PROJECT TO OPEN IN APRIL 2013. THOMASTON'S COY BOWLES OF THE SUPER STAR ZAC BROWN BAND COMMENDED THE BOARD FOR MOVING forward WITH THE PROJECT DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS. COY SAID A QUALITY PERFORMING FACILITY ENCOURAGES CREATIVITY. JAY EUBANKS CHAIR OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THANKED THE BOARD, HE SUPPORTS ADDING THE BAND AND DRAMA CLASSROOMS.

JUDYE SELLIER, OF FT. VALLEY, WIFE OF THE LATE TONY SELLIER HAS CONFIRMED SHE IS RUNNING FOR HIS STATE HOUSE SEAT IN THE SPECIAL ELECTION FEB. 15TH. DEMOCRAT SHARON HOWARD WHO OPPOSED TONY SELLIER IN NOVEMBER ALSO HAS ANNOUNCED. ANOTHER REPUBLICAN, ROBERT DICKEY OF MUSELLA, OWNER OF DICKEY FARMS HAS ALSO ANNOUNCED. HOUSE SEAT 136 INCLUDES ALL OF CRAWFORD COUNTY AND PARTS OF UPSON, LAMAR, MONROE, BIBB, HOUSTON, AND PEACH.

CITING A BUDGET CRUNCH AND LIABILITY ISSUES , THE THOMASTON CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO DISCONTINUE THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM AND ELIMINATE THE DOWNTOWN DIRECTOR AT A CALLED MEETING MONDAY.A PROGRAM WITH A $53,000 ANNUAL BUDGET. A ROOM FULL OF SUPPORTERS INCLUDING MEMBERS OF THE DOWNTOWN THOMASTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE MOVE. CITY MANAGER PATRICK COMISKEY , WHO MADE THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL , SAID CITY HALL HAS BEEN WORKING WITH ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AMOUNT OF REVENUE FOR THE PAST DECADE. DTBA PRESIDENT BARBARA HOLLOWAY TOLD THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL DOWNTOWN DIRECTOR SYLVIA CHAPMAN WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE A PAY CUT TO KEEP THE PROGRAM GOING, AND CLOSING IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE. WITHOUT A DIRECTOR SHE QUESTIONED HOW THE DTBA COULD FUNCTION . COUNCIL MEMBER PATSY PERDUE HELD UP A COPY OF THE NEW STATE GUIDELINES FOR MAIN STREET CITIES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND CALLED IT AN UNFUNDED MANDATE. AND COUNCIL MENTIONED THE PROGRAM CREATES LIABILITY PROBLEMS, CITY HALL GOT CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE WHEN THE DTBA WAS SUED SEVERAL YEARS AGO OVER A BUSINESS DONATION. AMONG OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS SPEAKING FOR CONTINUING THE PROGRAM, GARY SELF, ELENE COOK AND KAY ROBINSON. COUNCILMAN WALLACE RHODES CALLED COUNCIL THE STEWERDS OF THE TAXPAYERS MONEY AND CUTS NEED TO BE MADE IN THE BUDGET, OR A TAX INCREASE COULD RESULT. MAYOR HAYS ARNOLD TOLD THE GROUP,”WE ARE IN DIFFICULT TIMES AND CURRENT TRENDS ARE NOT PROMISING.” DIRECTOR SYLVIA CHAPMAN HAS BEEN OFFERED ANOTHER POSITION , AS A GUARD AT THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT OFF VETERANS DRIVE. PRESIDENT HOLLOWAY TOLD TGA NEWS SHE WAS THE BEST DIRECTOR DTBA EVER HAD.

ACCORDING TO MAJOR DAN KILGORE, UPSON S.O. BONES FOUND BY HUNTERS IN SOUTHWEST UPSON COUNTY SUNDAY ARE DEER BONES. THEY WERE FOUND OFF ADAMS FERRY ROAD AND SENT TO THE STATE CRIME LAB TO BE CHECKED OUT.

Monday, December 13, 2010

A REPUBLICAN FROM MUSELLA, GA. ROBERT DICKEY HAS ANNOUNCED HE WILL SEEK THE GA. HOUSE DISTRICT 136 SEAT HELD BY THE LATE TONY SELLIER WHO DIED RECENTLY. DICKEY, 57, OWNS DICKEY FARMS, A PEACH AND TIMBER FARM STARTED BY HIS GRANDFATHER A CENTURY AGO. THE SPECIAL ELECTION TO FILL THE SEAT, WHICH INCLUDES CRAWFORD COUNTY AND PARTS OF UPSON, LAMAR, MONROE, BIBB, PEACH, AND HOUSTON, WILL BE FEB. 15TH.

THOMASTON POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A BURGLARY DISCOVERED SATURDAY AT NORRIS FINE FOODS, 695 SHORT E STREET. SOMEONE SMASHED THE FRONT DOOR GLASS AND REMOVED THE CASH REGISTERED DRAWER. SOME DOLLAR BILLS WERE FOUND OUTSIDE, NEAR THE BUSINESS.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Upson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the discovery of bones by two hunters Sunday evening off of Adams Ferry Road in southwestern Upson County.

It is not known at this time if the bones are human or those of an animal, the Department of Natural Resources is assisting in the investigation. The bones have been sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

THE THOMASTON MAYOR AND COUNCIL WILL MEET MONDAY NIGHT AT 7PM ON THE FUTURE OF THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM. PUBLIC INPUT IS INVITED. CITY MANAGER PATRICK COMISKEY IS RECOMMENDING THE PROGRAM BE CLOSED, ELIMINATING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND MOST OF THE BUDGET OF ALMOST $53,000 ANNUALLY. THE CITY MANAGER SAYS THE DOWNTOWN THOMASTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE, OPERATING SIMILAR TO A CIVIC ORGANIZATION, AND CAN PROBABLY ACCOMPLISH MORE THAT WAY. NORTHSIDE MERCHANTS HAVE COMPLAINED, THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM PUTS TOO MUCH FOCUS ON THE SQUARE, SOMETHING THAT ALSO FIGURES INTO THE DECISION, HE SAID. AFTER A FRIDAY WORK SESSION, MAYOR HAYS ARNOLD TOLD TGA NEWS THE LOSS OF JOBS AND BUSINESSES HAVE CHANGED THE COMMUNITY, AND CITY HALL HAS TO ENSURE THAT ESSENTIAL SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED, AND THAT MEANS MAKING HARD DECISIONS ON BUDGETS AND PERSONNEL. SINCE 2001 THE CITY PAYROLL HAS GONE FROM 132 TO 87, AND NOW ITS FACED WITH HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS THAT COULD RISE 20%. THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL IS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO BALANCE THE BUDGET, AND INCREASES IN ELECTRICITY, WATER AND SEWER ARE ON THE TABLE.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

DURING A BUDGET WORK SESSION, TUESDAY, THOMASTON'S CITY MANAGER PATRICK COMISKEY PROPOSED INCREASING ELECTRICAL AND WATER AND SEWER RATES EFFECTIVE JAN IST. THE MANAGER TOLD THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL, HE SUGGESTS A TWO YEAR PHASE-IN FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS AND A THREE YEAR FOR INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS, SOLO CUP AND TEN CATE. RESIDENTIAL POWER RATES WOULD INCREASE 6 ½ %, COMMERCIAL RATES 5 1/2% IN 2011 AND 2012. THE INDUSTRIES WOULD EXPERIENCE A DOUBLE DIP HIKE OVER THREE YEARS. . WATER AND SEWER RATES WOULD INCREASE $5 PER MONTH FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER IN 2011 AND 2012. ACCORDING TO SURVEYS, THE CITY OF THOMASTON HAS SOME OF THE LOWEST POWER RATES IN THE STATE , BUT ITS WHOLESALE POWER SUPPLIER , MEAG IS FACING A $250 MILLION BUDGET INCREASE DUE TO PROJECTS, AND CITY HALL'S PORTION IS A MILLION. OTHER MEAG CITIES SUCH AS GRIFFIN AND MARIETTA ARE ALSO MOVING ON RATE HIKES. THE MANAGER SAID WATER SALES ARE DOWN 17% DUE TO THE LOSS OF INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS AND THE COUNTY IS NOT BUYING NEAR AS MUCH SINCE IT DRILLED WELLS IN WESTERN UPSON. THE WATER AND SEWER RATE INCREASE WOULD ALSO AFFECT COUNTY WATER CUSTOMERS SERVED BY THE CITY UNLESS THE COUNTY ABSORBS THEM. CITY MANAGER COMISKEY IS ALSO PROPOSING TO CLOSE THE MAIN STREET PROGRAM, AND THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION WOULD NOT HAVE AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

THERESA HARPER, CLERK OF UPSON SUPERIOR COURT RELEASED A STATEMENT REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE UPSON BEACON AS LEGAL ORGAN FOR UPSON COUNTY.” SOMEONE VERY WISE ONCE SAID THAT IF YOU’RE MAKING EVERYBODY HAPPY ALL THE TIME THEN YOU’RE NOT BEING A GOOD LEADER. RECENTLY,MYSELF, SHERIFF PEACOCK AND JUDGE HAMBY WERE ASKED BY THE UPSON BEACON TO BE CONSIDERED AS THE LEGAL ORGAN FOR UPSON COUNTY. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THIS WAS A VERY DIFFICULT DECISION FOR ALL OF US. MY VOTE TO HAVE THE UPSON BEACON APPOINTED AS THE LEGAL ORGAN WAS BASED ON INFORMATION SUPPLIED TO MYSELF, SHERIFF DON PEACOCK AND PROBATE JUDGE GARY HAMBY. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED SHOWED THAT THE UPSON BEACON MET THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE APPOINTED. IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT THE THOMASTON TIMES IS NOT HAPPY WITH MY VOTE. HOWEVER, IT IS DISAPPOINTING THEY ARE REPORTING INACCURATE INFORMATION. IN THE LATEST EDITION OF THE THOMASTON TIMES IT STATES THAT WHEN ASKED MY REASONING FOR VOTING IN FAVOR OF THE BEACON THAT I REPLIED-WE DON’T HAVE TO SAY. THAT IS AN INACCURATE QUOTE. MY REPLY WAS THAT-WE DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY. THE DIFFERENCE IN THOSE TWO STATEMENTS IS HUGE. I TAKE MY RESPONSIBLITY TO SERVE UPSON COUNTY VERY SERIOUSLY. I STAND BY MY VOTE FOR THE CHANGE BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITIZENS OF UPSON COUNTY TO HAVE THE LEGAL NOTICES PUBLISHED IN A NEWSPAPER THAT IS BEING READ BY THE MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE. I LOOK FOWARD TO CONTINUE TO WORK HARD TO HELP UPSON COUNTY PROGRESS IN A POSITIVE MANNER.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

UPSON COUNTY SHERIFF DON PEACOCK AND CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT THERESA HARPER HAVE SIGNED THE LEGAL DOCUMENT NECESSARY TO OFFICIALLY DESIGNATE THE UPSON BEACON NEWSPAPER, THE LEGAL ORGAN. PROBATE JUDGE GARY HAMBY DID NOT SIGN THE RESOLUTION, HE VOTED FOR THE THOMASTON TIMES TO KEEP THE LEGAL ADS. THOSE THREE CONSITITIONAL OFFICERS ARE EMPOWERED TO DECIDE THE ISSUE. A LEGAL AD WILL RUN IN THE THOMASTON TIMES FOR FOUR WEEKS, STARTING FRIDAY, NOTIFYING THE PUBLIC THE UPSON BEACON WILL BECOME LEGAL ORGAN EFFECTIVE JAN. IST. THE AD RATES FOR THE LEGALS WILL REMAIN THE SAME AT THE BEACON, THE STATE SETS LEGAL AD RATES.

Monday, December 6, 2010

A STUDENT AT GORDON COLLEGE IN BARNESVILLE WAS SHOT AND KILLED IN A HOME INVASION-ROBBERY EARLY SUNDAY AT 121 WESTCHESTER DRIVE IN BARNESVILLE. DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE MONDAY MORNING, ATTENDED BY TGA NEWS, POLICE CHIEF CHUCK KEADLE IDENTIFIED THE VICTIM AS DANAVAN FRANK BUSSEY, 21, ORIGINALLY FROM MILLEDGEVILLE. THREE SUSPECTS ARE IN CUSTODY CHARGED WITH MURDER, SHAMEIK SPINKS, 17 OF 6 BROWN STREET, BARNESVILLE, LEKIEVIUS ELEBY,21, OF 107 WESTCHESTER DRIVE, AND BRYCE A. SMITH, 20, OF 202 WESTCHESTER DRIVE. CHIEF KEADLE SAID BUSSEY DIED OF A SHOTGUN BLAST TO THE FACE, AND WAS PROUNCED DEAD ON ARRIVAL AT SPALDING REGIONAL HOSPITAL. ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE WERE AT A PARTY IN THE RESIDENCE WHEN THE THREE INTRUDERS ENTERED AROUND 3;45AM SUNDAY. CHIEF KEADLE DID NOT RELEASE DETAILS ON WHAT HAPPENED BUT HE SAID THE MOTIVE WAS ROBBERY. HE WOULD NOT COMMENT WHEN ASKED IF THE CRIME WAS DRUG-RELATED. THE SUSPECTS ARE NOT GORDON STUDENTS, BUT LIVED NEAR BUSSEY, THE CHIEF TOLD REPORTERS. THE DEFENDANTS ARE BEING HELD IN THE LAMAR COUNTY JAIL ON CHARGES OF MURDER, FELONY MURDER, ARMED ROBBERY, AND BURGLARY. THE LAMAR COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ASSISTED IN THE INVESTIGATION AND SHERIFF LARRY WALLER STOOD WITH THE CHIEF DURING HIS STATEMENT TO THE NEWS MEDIA. THE CHIEF SAID OTHER AGENCIES THAT ASSISTED, INCLUDED THE GBI, GORDON COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT , THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND THE LAMAR COUNTY CORONER'S OFFICE. GORDON COLLEGE POLICE CHIEF JEFF MASON TOLD REPORTERS BUSSEY WAS A STUDENT IN GOOD STANDING.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

On Sunday, December 5, 1pm-6pm, make plans to tour some of Thomaston’s most beautiful home places and experience Southern hospitality at its finest. The Sertoma Women of Upson sponsors the annual Christmas tour of homes.

Friday, December 3, 2010

THE UPSON BEACON NEWSPAPER IS REPORTING IT WILL BE THE NEW LEGAL ORGAN OF UPSON COUNTY EFFECTIVE JAN IST, REPLACING THE THOMASTON TIMES. THREE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS ARE EMPOWERED TO MAKE THE DECISION, THE SHERIFF, CLERK OF COURT AND PROBATE JUDGE. AT A RECENT MEETING OF CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS CALLED BY COMMISSION CHAIRMAN MAURICE RAINES, THE ISSUE WAS BROUGHT UP. PROBATE JUDGE GARY HAMBY MUST NOTIFY THE SECRETARY OF STATE ANNUALLY REGARDING THE COUNTY’S LEGAL ORGAN. DURING THE MEETING SHERIFF DON PEACOCK AND CLERK OF COURT THERESA HARPER VOTED TO CHANGE TO THE UPSON BEACON AND PROBATE JUDGE HAMBY VOTED TO STAY WITH THE THOMASTON TIMES, A 2 TO 1 VOTE FOR THE BEACON. SHERIFF PEACOCK TOLD TGA NEWS THIS WEEK, HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE TWO NEWSPAPERS ROTATE AS LEGAL ORGAN, EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS. CLERK OF COURT HARPER SAID SHE VOTED FOR THE BEACON BECAUSE IT HAS A MORE LOCAL PRESENCE. JUDGE HAMBY HAS NOT BEEN AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT, BUT HE HAS FAMILY WHO HAVE BEEN ON THE TIMES STAFF. THERE HAVE BEEN QUESTIONS RAISED AS TO THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE UPSON BEACON TO BE THE LEGAL ORGAN, BUT COUNTY ATTORNEY ED TRICE SAYS THEY HAVE BEEN ANSWERED AND HE IS PREPARING THE LEGAL DOCUMENTS NEEDED FOR THE CHANGE. OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS THE BEACON HAS REPORTEDLY AVERAGED 92% PAID CIRCULATION, WHICH COUNTY OFFICIALS HAVE TOLD US MEETS QUALIFICATIONS. THE LEGAL ADS WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT REVENUE BOOST FOR THE UPSON BEACON, AND THERE IS SPECULATION AS TO HOW IT WILL AFFECT THE THOMASTON TIMES. BOB TRIBBLE, PRESIDENT OF THE BEACON, OWNS 30 NEWSPAPERS AND HAS REPORTEDLY MADE OVERTURES IN THE PAST TO BUY-OUT THE TIMES.ROLAND FOILES, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE THOMASTON TIMES, ISSUED THIS STATEMENT" TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS WHO APPARENTLY MADE THE DECISION-THE SHERIFF,CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT AND PROBATE JUDGE—HAVE NOT NOTIFIED THE TIMES ABOUT ANY CHANGE OR REQUESTED ANY INFORMATION FROM OUR NEWSPAPER. THERE IS NO RECORD OF ANY AGENDA ITEM OF ANY GOVERNMENTAL BODY TO DISCUSS THE AWARDING OF THE OFFICIAL LEGAL ORGAN STATUS, NOR HAS A LEGAL NOTICE REGARDING THE DECISION BEEN PUBLISHED YET AS REQUIRED BY STATE LAW.”

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The four categories are Best County Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Country Song for their number one hit Free, Best Country Album for their second album You Get What You Give that went to number one and Best Country Collaboration With Vocals for their collaboration with Newnan native Alan Jackson on As She’s Walking Away, it also went to number one.

The 53rd annual Grammy’s will be presented February 11th, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The show will be televised live by CBS.

Last year the group was nominated for three awards and won the Grammy for Best New Artist.

Thomaston’s Coy Bowles plays keyboards and guitar for the group, he is the son of Barney and Janis Bowles. Other members of the band include band founder Zac Brown (lead vocals, guitar), Jimmy De Martini (fiddle, vocals), John Driskell Hopkins (bass guitar, vocals), Chris Fryar (drums) and Clay Cook (guitar, keyboards, mandolin, steel guitar, vocals).

Free, Zac Brown Band; The Breath You Take, George Strait; The House That Built Me, Miranda Lambert; I'd Love To Be Your Last, Gretchen Wilson; If I Die Young, The Band Perry; Need You Now, Lady Antebellum

Best country album

You Get What You Give, Zac Brown Band; Up On The Ridge, Dierks Bentley; The Guitar Song, Jamey Johnson; Need You Now, Lady Antebellum; Revolution, Miranda Lambert

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Macon.com is reporting that State Representative Tony Sellier, a Republican representing the 136th District, died Tuesday night at Peach County Medical Center from congestive heart failure following complications from a recent medical procedure, according to his family.

Sellier, 65, a Middle Georgia resident for more than 30 years, was elected Nov. 2 to a third term in the state House of Representatives. His district includes all of Crawford County and parts of Bibb, Houston, Lamar, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties.

Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Wednesday that flags on state buildings and grounds will fly at half-staff on the day of Sellier’s funeral.

“Tony’s compelling personal history, along with his deep commitment to faithfully representing his constituents, made him one of the most respected members of the Georgia General Assembly,” Perdue said in a written statement. The governor noted that he and his wife, Mary, were deeply saddened at the death of their “beloved friend and public servant.”

“We join all of Middle Georgia in praying for God’s comfort and peace for his wife Judye, their three children and ... grandchildren, and for the entire Fort Valley community that Tony loved so dearly,” Perdue said.